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Media releases > Tsunami - one year on
Sri Lanka feature material available
(18 August 2005)
The tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean on the 26th December killed over 200,000 people and left millions more homeless. What followed was the biggest reaction to a natural disaster the world has ever seen, with over £350 million donated in the UK alone. Thousands of individuals called charities to offer their time and professional expertise.
VSO is an international development charity that works through professional volunteers. There are currently 30 volunteers working in Sri Lanka. One year on, how are communities there addressing the legacy of the tsunami? How are they re-establishing their livelihoods and managing mental health trauma? What vital roles are VSO volunteers playing?
Ms Sithy Afeefa
Ms Sithy Afeefa was displaced at the age of 15, during Sri Lanka’s 17-year civil war. For 15 years she lived in a refugee camp, but on the 26th December the camp was washed away leaving her homeless for a second time. VSO volunteer Michele Hillier, 55, works for a local charity as a project adviser, offering advice and support on how to apply for and direct international donor funds. As a result Ms Sithy Afeefa and her son have been rehoused and she has established a weaving enterprise, which is enabling her to earn an income.
Sandy Bay Beach, Uppaveli
This small bay near Trincomelee houses a small community of fishermen and their families who rely wholly on their daily catches for both their food and money. The tsunami washed away all their boats and equipment; for six months they were without income. Michele Hillier, 55, submitted an initial proposal to an international NGO requesting four boats; to date they have received 30 and the community is once again thriving.
Dr Ganesan, Batticaloa
With support from VSO volunteer Hilary Colston, 49, Dr Ganesan established a new psychosocial forum called Mangrove, an organisation offering logistical and emotional support and training resources that enable local health workers to offer the most effective mental healthcare. Mangrove holds regular forums, which offer fieldworkers visiting people in camps and their own homes an opportunity to share their learning, discuss issues that have arisen out of the visits and address their own health needs as many health workers have also experienced their own personal losses.
John Ramsey
VSO volunteer, John Ramsey, 65, was holidaying at the beach when the tsunami swept through his bungalow. For three days all he had to wear was a towel. He and friends were helping local families to find their loved ones. In January John returned to his VSO placement in Akkaraipattru where the charity he is offering project management advise has become involved in setting up displacement camps for those who had lost their homes.
Nina Maini
VSO volunteer, Nina Maini, 27, works as an occupational therapist in Galle, one the worst affected areas of Sri Lanka. With Sri Lankan colleagues and other VSO volunteers, Nina devised a programme that addressed the professional development needs of the many mental health workers needed to address the long-term impact of the tsunami. 150 medical students were recruited to operate as fieldworkers visiting those living in refugee camps. Nina helped establish a programme of workshops that developed the students’ communication skills and knowledge about trauma and stress. In addition, weekly training days enabled those working in the field to feedback on their visits, discuss major issues and to continue developing their skills.
For further information, transcripts of interviews and photography please contact Catherine Raynor in the VSO Press Office.
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